For aspiring authors, writing and editing a manuscript
on one's own may feel like an incredibly
daunting task Fortunately, there are countless experts willing
to guide others through the writing and publishing
process. In no particular order, here are some
groups that offer valuable resources for up-and-coming wordsmiths.
First up, at # 1 we have the
NY Writers Coalition. It is a community-based creative
writing program that partners with social service agencies
and various other organizations to provide unique and
empowering workshops throughout New York City. Its events
are mainly targeted towards underserved communities, and participants
can get their work printed in the organization's
publications.
Through its partnerships with local organizations, it provides
free weekly workshops for youth and adults in
various programs in the city, such as SAGE
VISIONS, and The Lighthouse. The organization also hosts
an annual Write-A-Thon, where individuals can learn from
a diverse set of guest instructors and share
their work with fellow writers.
Next, at # 2 is GrubStreet. Founded in
19 97 by Eve Bridburg, it is open
to scribes from all walks of life and
at every stage of development, from absolute beginners
to established authors. Its Write Down the Street
program makes writing workshops more accessible by offering
free sessions at various Boston Public Library branches
across the city.
Among its other programs is Novel Generator, a
nine-month course designed to help students finish the
first draft of their novel by offering them
the support and feedback needed for this early
stage in the writing process. The organization's Emerging
Writer Fellowship also provides three writers per year
with tuition-free access to GrubStreet's classes.
Coming in at # 3 is the Association
of Writers and Writing Programs, which aims to
amplify the voices of authors and the academic
organizations that serve them while also championing diversity
and excellence in the field. Members gain access
to various useful resources, including job listings and
internships for writers and free use of the
Chronicle app.
The annual AWP Conference and Bookfair features five
days of literary conversation and celebration, with a
wide variety of events and exhibitors. The organization
also sponsors various contests, such as the AWP
Award Series, a yearly competition for the publication
of new book-length works.
Next up, at # 4 we have Paper
Nations, which is a creative writing incubator that
commissions authors throughout South West England to create
new work. Every three years, the group identifies
a new area of focus, such as increasing
creative writing opportunities for youth.
Its Writing for All program provides support through
access to various mentors events, and more. Paper
Nations' Dare to Write is a collection of
resources for writers, including an atlas that individuals
of all ages can use to connect with
fellow writers or find events around the country.
Finally, at # 5 we have the Cambridge
Writers' Workshop. Founded in 2008 by Rita Banerjee
and Diana Norma Szokolyai, it acts as an
inclusive forum that aims to encourage creative expression
in the literary arts, and it's open for
all amateur and professional authors.
The workshop also includes online creative writing courses,
as well as various retreats in both the
United States and abroad. Pledged members of the
workshop gain full access to the CWW NING
Writers’ Network, where they may connect with other
authors and share their work.